They've had two games where they allowed nine runs and another where the opponent scored 10.

Those would be considered negatives, except softball coach Stephenie Pencek doesn't think negatively.

"It's counterproductive. I have a saying that I've said to my children, 'Nothing positive ever happens when you start with a negative attitude,' " Pencek said. "If you allow yourself to dwell on the negative, that is exactly the result you are going to get."

When the postseason comes around, the Cougars fully expect to be peaking, just as was the case the past two seasons.

Carroll has advanced to the semistate round in the Class 2A tournament the last two seasons, last year losing 1-0 to Wheeler in the semifinal and two seasons ago getting within one game of the state championship before falling 4-2 to Adams Central.

The program will have a different path in the postseason this year, now as a competitor in Class A.

On Thursday, the Cougars defeated Frontier, a new sectional opponent and a team that was one victory away from playing for the Class A state title last year.

"I feel like we are where we should be," junior Courtney Atkisson said. "There's a lot more work we need to do before we get to where we need to be."

In the coach's box on the third base side, fans at Carroll games get the infectious attitude from Pencek, who is often boisterous with her positive attitude.

But it's nothing if the players don't buy in. It's apparent they have and why Pencek points to the team achieving the success it has the last two seasons.

"She always wants us to get better, no matter if we're striking out or getting on base, she's always helping us (be positive)," freshman Elizabeth Eurit said. "When you have a bad day, your teammates are there to pick you up on and off the field."

Since Pencek likes to point to the positives, there are plenty.

Carroll is a perfect 16-for-16 on stolen base attempts this season. The Cougars are averaging nearly eight runs per game. Six players are batting at least .333. Carroll has two veterans pitchers in Carly Kingery, a junior committed to play collegiately at Missouri-St. Louis, and Atkisson.

"I'm not a great hitter but I'm good at hitting the ball and getting a chance to get on first base," said Kingery, who also leads Carroll with seven stolen bases.

Kingery's ability to get on base and use her speed to get into scoring position opens up RBI opportunities for others, like Cassidy Carman, who leads the team with two home runs, both against Rochester, and 14 RBIs.

Of course, there have been shortcomings as well. The power of positive thinking will get the Cougars through them.

"We aren't dwelling on the errors because it is a game of failure," Pencek said. "We are focusing on the positive things that we can control and we are expecting those to happen."